LAUSR

Abstract Finding efficient templates for the nanostructuring of materials is a key point. Here, the niobium (V) - and tantalum (V) oxide ceramics nanopowders have been synthesized by a hard-templating approach by using the tricalcium phosphate biomaterial (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .xH 2 O) as template agent. The oxide ceramics were investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the surface properties (specific surface areas, pore volumes) of the Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 powders were strongly dependent of the amount of the Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .xH 2 O template previously used in the preparation of the [oxide ceramics/template] composites. For instance, with a Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .xH 2 O/ceramic salt weight ratio ranging from 0 to 1, the specific surface areas of Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 were gradually enhanced of 48–166 m 2 /g and 5–84 m 2 /g, respectively. The pore volumes were increased as well. The use of the eco-friendly tricalcium phosphate material (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .xH 2 O) as template in the hard-templating approach may be suitable and efficient in the aim of synthesizing materials with enhanced surface properties.